St Janet, Nigerian Juju and highlife singer, dies after brief illness

St Janet (Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore), the celebrated Nigerian Juju and highlife singer known for her electrifying stage presence and socially conscious party anthems, passed away on July 1, 2026 after a brief illness. Her death was confirmed August 1 by Otunba Femi Davies, a prominent Nigerian publisher and socialite, who shared the news via Facebook post praising her vibrant performances and unique musical style that bridged traditional Juju with contemporary highlife influences.

According to Daily Post reports, St Janet was widely celebrated for her unique style and energetic performances that earned her a strong fan base within the Juju music community home and abroad. Her distinctive style - characterized by lively rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and lyrics that celebrated Nigerian culture while addressing contemporary social issues - helped modernize traditional Juju music for younger audiences. Industry observers note she was part of a wave of artists revitalizing genre boundaries in the 2020s, collaborating with both veterans and emerging talents across Afrobeats and highlife scenes.

The announcement comes during a period of renewed interest in traditional Nigerian music forms, with several festivals and cultural programs specifically highlighting Juju and highlife heritage. While the specific nature of her illness wasn't disclosed in the announcement, her passing marks a significant loss to Nigeria's music heritage.

For those wishing to honor her legacy, her extensive catalog of Juju and highlife recordings remains accessible on major streaming platforms, preserving the musical footprint she left behind in Nigeria's rich entertainment landscape.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/02/popular-nigerian-singer-st-janet-is-dead/